Deuteronomy 23 Commentary

Moving from purity in marriage in the previous chapter, Moses now turned to purity in worship. To do this, he instructed the Israelites concerning who was allowed and who was not allowed in the assembly of the LORD.

Moses instructs the Israelites on how to remain pure in the battlefield because the Suzerain (Ruler) God is present with them to fight for them.

Moses prohibited Israel from returning an escaped slave to his master.

Moses prohibited the practice of cult prostitution. He also warned the Israelites against bringing the hire of a harlot or the wages of a male prostitute into God’s sanctuary.

Moses prohibited Israelites from charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites.

Moses commanded the Israelites to fulfill their vows in a timely manner. Failure to keep their vows will surely bring judgment on them.

Moses told the Israelites that they could eat from their neighbors’ vineyard or standing grain. They were, however, prohibited from gathering more fruits or grain than was necessary to meet their immediate need.